Roles and responsibilities

Members 

Act as a board of oversight, similar to shareholders in a company, holding the Trustees accountable for effective governance. They don't manage the Trust's day-to-day operations but instead ensure the Trustees are fulfilling their duties and the Trust is operating according to its purpose.  

 

Trustees are responsible for 

• Strategic leadership of the Academy Trust - the Board defines the Trust vision for high quality and inclusive education in line with its charitable objects. It establishes and fosters the Trust’s culture and sets and champions the Trust strategy including determining what, if any, governance functions are delegated to the local tier
• Accountability and assurance - the Board has robust effective oversight of the operations and performance of the Academy Trust, including the provision of education, pupil welfare, overseeing and ensuring appropriate use of funding and effective financial performance and keeping their estate safe and well-maintained
• Engagement - the Board has strategic oversight of relationships with stakeholders. The Board involves parents, schools and communities so that decision-making is supported by meaningful engagement

 

The Roles of Local Governing Bodies 

1. Governors have a strategic focus and should not be directly involved in staff responsibilities, challenges or issues. Regarding complaints against staff Chairs should refer to the Complaints Policy.
2. Complete all appropriate training by the appropriate deadlines including:

            PEX training prior to involvement in any PEX procedures.

           Complaint training prior to involvement in any Complaint procedures. 

3. Support the well-being of the Head of School / Headteacher / Executive Headteacher (HoS /HT /EHT)
4. Support the overall effectiveness of the HoS /HT /EHT in implementing school improvement. (The SIDP Priorities will be specifically monitored and quality assured by the Central Team)
5. Meet every half term
6. Provide summary reports on areas of responsibility to the CEO and Deputy CEO as requested. (formats to be provided)
7. Act appropriately regarding the School and Trust’s overall financial position. Eg Deficit / Surplus budget (Information to be provided by the Head)
8. Inform the CEO or appropriate Committee of any capacity issues / challenges.
9. Be aware of personal relationships and conflicts of interests. Please refer to the Conflict-of-Interest Policy.
10. Support panels where appropriate, including permanent exclusions across all schools whenever possible.

 

Chief Executive Officer 

The primary point of contact between the Trust Board and the operational side of the organisation. They are responsible for implementing the Trust's strategy, overseeing its operations and ensuring the well-being and success of all schools within the Trust. Key Responsibilities of a CEO in a MAT: Strategic Leadership, Operational Management, Accounting Officer, Stakeholder Management, Team Leadership and School Improvement. 

In essence, the CEO acts as the bridge between the Trust Board's strategic direction and the day-to-day operations of the schools, ensuring the Trust's vision is realised and its pupils receive a high-quality education. 

In a Multi-Academy Trust (MAT), the Accounting Officer is the individual ultimately responsible for the proper stewardship of public funds and ensuring high standards of financial management within the trust. They are a key figure in the accountability and governance structure, ensuring the trust operates within its legal and financial frameworks.  

 

Deputy Chief Executive Officer 

The role includes accountability to the CEO and Board of Trustees for building and articulating the strategic vision for the organisation, for the safety and well-being of primary students across the Trust, for delivering outstanding learning outcomes at all levels of primary education and for ensuring strong leadership and management are consistently sustained. Within the wider role of Deputy CEO will oversee the Trust’s primary schools in delivering Synergy MAT’s core purpose of ensuring that all children receive an excellent and ambitious education and are as successful as possible 

 

Chief Financial Officer 

Key Responsibilities: 

1. Accountability: The CFO is accountable for the Trust's financial health and financial reporting. 
2. Decision-Making: They provide financial expertise and advice to inform strategic decisions. 
3. Compliance: They ensure the Trust adheres to all relevant financial regulations and guidelines. 
4. Risk Management: They identify and mitigate financial risks. 
5. Financial Management and Control:

• Budgeting, Financial Reporting, Compliance, Risk Management, Cash Flow Management, Financial Strategy, Financial Modelling, Fundraising and Investment
• Team Leadership, Collaboration, Communication 

 

Director of People 

Key Responsibilities: 

1. Strategic Leadership, People, Stakeholder Engagement, People Strategy Development, Organisational Development, Regulatory Compliance, External Engagement, Modelling Trust Values.
2. In essence, the Director of People is a key figure in ensuring the Trust has a strong, engaged and well-supported workforce, which is essential for achieving its mission and vision. 

 

Head of Estates 

Responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Trust's property and facilities, including maintenance, upkeep and ensuring compliance with regulations. They lead and develop the Trust's estates strategy, ensuring it aligns with the Trust's overall vision. This role also involves managing premises staff, overseeing improvement projects and managing budgets related to the Estate.  

Key Responsibilities:  

Strategy and Planning, Management, Project Management, Staff Management, Compliance, Financial Management, Communication and Collaboration 

Head of IT, Systems and Service 

Responsible for overseeing and managing the IT systems and infrastructure across all the schools within the Trust. They ensure the smooth and efficient operation of technology, supporting both teaching and learning, as well as administrative functions.  

Key Responsibilities: 

Strategic IT Planning, IT Infrastructure Management, IT Support and Troubleshooting, Data Management and Security, Technology Integration in Teaching and Learning, Budget Management, Compliance and Regulations, Staff Development.